Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has resigned from his position following a directive by President Bola Tinubu requiring political appointees with electoral ambitions to step down ahead of the 2027 general elections. The resignation was confirmed on Monday in a statement shared by Tuggar’s spokesperson. Local media reports indicate that the British-educated diplomat is considering a bid for the governorship of Bauchi State in 2027.
Tuggar’s exit comes in compliance with a mid-March directive from President Tinubu, which mandates that ministers, advisers, and heads of government agencies intending to contest elections must resign by March 31, 2026. The policy is aimed at preventing conflicts of interest and ensuring a level playing field in the lead-up to the polls. Appointed in 2023, Tuggar played a key role in shaping Nigeria’s foreign policy and strengthening diplomatic ties. Prior to his ministerial role, he served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany, where he was involved in advancing bilateral cooperation on trade, security, and development.
The directive affects a wide range of political office holders, including ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, and chief executives of federal government agencies and parastatals. Tuggar’s resignation marks one of the first high-profile departures under the new rule, signaling the start of political realignments as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections.
